Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels to start preseason opener

Rookie No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels is the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders in their preseason opener against the New York Jets.

Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the pecking order for the opening exhibition game on Tuesday before joint practices with the Jets continued. Quinn and camp observers have been highly complimentary of Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner.

"He's earned that right to do that," Quinn said of starting Daniels. "Through the course of all the practices, you're keeping track of accuracy and completions and decisions of where it goes. It was really a byproduct of him really nailing those moments."

Quinn said the QB depth chart in early August remains "unofficial," and reserved the right to alter plans at any position before the Commanders open the regular season at Tampa Bay on Sept. 8.

No. 1 pick Caleb Williams did not play for the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener last week.

"I just love playing football, so I'm happy about it," Daniels said Sunday of being informed he would suit up in preseason games. "I always knew I was gonna play, but I don't know when I'm gonna play, but at least I have the opportunity to go out there and play, so I'm excited for it."

Jets coach Robert Saleh said it's "unlikely" his quarterback, 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers, would play in the preseason. Rodgers is coming off a torn Achilles sustained in the opening game last season.

Daniels completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions last season at LSU. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 scores in 12 games.

--Field Level Media